Ali Velshi Reveals the Defining Moment That Changed His Approach to Journalism
In a revealing conversation on the “That Said” podcast with Michael Zeldin, MSNBC’s chief correspondent Ali Velshi opens up about the personal experiences that shaped his journalistic career and his ongoing commitment to defending democracy. Velshi, also the host of “Velshi” and author of “Small Acts of Courage: A Legacy of Endurance and the Fight for Democracy,” provides a candid look at the ethical dilemmas journalists face in today’s politically charged environment.
One of the most striking moments comes when Velshi recounts his time reporting on the Minneapolis protests following the murder of George Floyd. Velshi was on the front lines when law enforcement fired rubber bullets and tear gas into the crowd. He recalls being hit with a rubber bullet, an experience that shifted his understanding of his role as a journalist. “You're never not in the fight,” Velshi says, reflecting on the incident. “As it relates to basic civil justice, social justice, democracy, and liberty, you’re never not in that fight. You can’t excuse yourself from it because you are a journalist.”
This moment of vulnerability reveals the weight of the role journalists like Velshi carry in bearing witness to societal upheaval and exposing injustices. His remarks emphasize the evolving role of the media as more than just storytellers, but as vital participants in holding power accountable. "We struggle with this idea of who we are as journalists in political moments. Are we advocates? Are we witnesses? What is the role?" Velshi asks, acknowledging the difficult balance between reporting and activism.
Velshi also reflects on how his career trajectory was altered by the 2016 election. Expecting to cover policy-driven issues, he joined MSNBC before Donald Trump’s unexpected win, which, as he notes, "upended things." He shares, “I joined MSNBC right before Donald Trump got elected... I ended up covering a lot more of domestic politics and elections,” revealing how the shifting political landscape forced many journalists into new, uncharted territory.
This interview reveals Velshi’s personal challenges in covering turbulent times and highlights the broader ethical crisis facing the media and communications industries today. Everyone in communications bears witness and carries the ethical responsibility of holding power accountable. Velshi’s reflection on his experience in Minneapolis, where he was injured while covering protests, underscores that those in media are not passive observers but active participants in shaping public discourse.
